7 Essential EDC (Everyday Carry) Items for Men
A man needs to have their EDC (aka everyday carry) to ensure that he's ready for different types of situations.
It's important to carry around the essentials so he can use them when needed. Although there are many things men can have with them, what matters is that he has the right things with him.
However, it can be neglected at times until a special situation calls for it. That's why you have to make sure to think about what's best for your EDC.
It may look simple but some everyday items will be helpful in many situations. These items might save your life without even knowing it.
What is EDC?
EDC is an abbreviation for “everyday carry”. It's pretty simple and self-explanatory.
Although some people often ignore their importance. You want to always be prepared in any given situation. These items will help you to make your daily life easier.
As simple as it may seem, the everyday carry can be forgotten. That's why you need to stick with the essentials.
Just keep it simple to ensure that you will always have them in times of need. Below are the EDC items for men that you should always have with you.
7 Essential EDC Items for Men
1. Phones (With Cases)
Having your mobile phone wherever you go is a must in this day and age.
It's how you can communicate with your loved ones. This will also save you from emergencies and unforeseen events. All you have to do is to dial the emergency number in your area to get assistance.
A phone case is also ideal since you can use it to hide an emergency stash of cash. It will also protect your phone from being damaged. You can also use your phone features for simple needs. It has a flashlight, calculator, camera, and more to help you every day.
2. Pocket Utility Knife
Men are expected to be ready all the time and it's a great idea to have your pocket utility knife at all times. This will help you in every situation that you need. You can use it to open boxes, sharpening a stick or pencil, defending yourself, and a lot more.
Make sure to choose a lightweight utility knife that opens quickly, has a clip, and easy to clean. It can help you to get different tasks done and can save your life. If you still don't have a pocket utility knife, make sure to get one. It's one of the essentials for men to have.
5 Best Knife Brands:
- Spyderco
- Kershaw
- CRKT
- Boker
- Benchmade
3. Watch
A watch is an important EDC for men since it will complete your look. Aside from telling the time, some watches also have a built-in compass that will help you find your way if you happen to be in the woods. It will help you to navigate your way.
These days you can also get a smartwatch that you can connect to your phone. It will help you dial for emergencies without taking out your phone. This will also allow you to monitor your heartbeat or blood pressure if you have an existing condition. It can also serve as your medical ID in case of emergencies.
Additionally, if you become more of a connoisseur you will likely dive into the depths of vintage watches. A field where you can find both the best value deals and also the most outrageous prices. The volatility on price is insane but there is something for everyone, just try not to fall into the rabbit hole too much!
Top 5 Affordable Best Watch Brands
- Seiko
- Citizen
- Swatch
- Victorianox
- Bulova
4. Wallet
It's an important item for both men and women. Having your wallet with you will help you carry your cash, cards, IDs, and more. Wallets are small so you can just keep them in your pocket. Just make sure to secure it to avoid losing it especially if you're in an unfamiliar location.
Your wallet will prove your identity as long as you have your IDs inside. It will also protect your credit and debit cards. These are important parts of your everyday life since you have to pay for something all the time. You can get an anti-theft wallet to ensure its safety.
Although these days wallets are becoming more and more obsolete, they offer a strong style factor and tradition from generations that span hundreds of years. Some can be crafted very nicely and it can be a very stylish item to carry.
5. Sunglasses or Eyeglasses
A pair of sunglasses will make you feel more comfortable when you're outdoors. It will protect your eyes from the sun's harmful UV rays. You should always carry one around with you whenever you head out of the house. It will also make you look stylish, which is not a bad thing.
If you wear prescription eyeglasses make sure to carry an extra pair. You will never know what can happen outdoors. If something happens to the eyeglasses that you're wearing, having an extra one will save you. It's not pleasant to have blurred vision when you're outdoors.
Also keep in mind that if you want to get the most out of your glasses, you should really get them with polarized lenses. Although this will cost more, it is well worth it for your eyes since the polarization is what will actually protect your eyes from the sun. Not to mention it will reduce glare which will not only help you with situations like driving but it will also make everything look far clearer and more scenic! It will be like looking at a fantastic photograph at all times.
6. Pen
Make sure to always have a pen with you all the time. You will never know when you need to write something. The importance of having a pen is often neglected until that moment comes when you need one. It may look simple but it's a necessity especially at work.
If you're always on the go having a pen will help you to sign documents, take down notes, and more. It can also be useful when something suddenly happens. All you have to do is to be creative about them.
A simple pen can help you in many ways that you can imagine.
Just the process of writing is very similar to doodling. It can be calming and fun at the same time. A lot of people, still, care about calligraphy, not to mention the cool design that many pens can have. It’s something that a lot of people don’t really talk about but you shouldn’t bash it until you try it!
Get a cool pen and write with it! Or even doodle. You’ll thank me later.
7. Flashlight
You can never be sure what might happen when you're driving home at night.
Having a flashlight can save you from being stuck on the road.
You can't fix your car in case it breaks down without a lighting source. It's also a good tool to use in case a blackout happens.
It's an excellent idea to always carry a flashlight around. You can go for a small one that you can attach to a keyring. That way, you can always have it handy. You will never know when you will need to light up your way.
And I know what you’re going to say, “hey, I always have the light on my phone.” The answer to that is NO. That is not a good survivalist tool whatsoever. Phones die easily and the range of the light is negligible. It’s always good to have one on hand that has quite a bit of range and some power. Also, the battery on the proper flashlights lasts forever!
Conclusion
EDC make men feel more confident. Knowing that you have the things that can save you, and others, from anything, will make you feel empowered - like Batman and his utility belt.
You don't have to worry about how to deal with situations that you can't control. Just make sure to always have your EDC with you so that you can be ready for whatever comes your way.
Words by Greg Cherdayao
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15 April 2021
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